Sandra‘s Closet

M∙A∙C’s cult-favourite hydrating mist, Prep + Prime Fix+, takes on a delicious new twist in four permanent scents: rose, lavender, coconut and our original sugi needle aroma.
Water, vitamins and extracts give skin an instant boost of hydration while the lightweight prolonging formula sets makeup and refreshes your complexion. Try it, you will thank me forever! I use it on a daily base! Sheer out foundation, intensify colour, improve and extend the wear of makeup, or moisturize and soothe tired skin with the holy grail of hydrating mists.

PREP + PRIME FIX+
Original – Coconut – Rose – Lavender
CHF 26.00

Available January 2018 at all M∙A∙C locations, M∙A∙C stores and at maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics

I have to admit that I am completely addicted to coffee. I can stop eating sweets, drinking alcohol, but please never take away my coffee. Just the thought of my beautiful nice-smelling cup in the morning, gets me going and out of bed. Coffee actually has a lot of advantages and is not at all bad for you if you drink it in moderation. This is something I need to work on.

Many papers state that coffee is actually one of the healthiest beverages billions of people consume regularly. It can increase your metabolic rate and helps you burn fat if you don’t overdo your intake. Of course, only when consumed black or with a little milk or soy milk – which I like – coffee is great for your figure, as it is having zero calories, zero carbs, and zero fats. So leave away the sugar.

The caffeine in coffee keeps our brains alert and receptive of new information. So I hope that you have had your cup of coffee already because here is some information that you might be truly interested in:

NESPRESSO has launched a new coffee machine “that lives like you”: U – the ultimate experience in simplicity, modularity and purity for coffee lovers around the world that offers an amazing concept!

The Nespresso story began 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea: enable anyone to create the perfect cup of espresso at home. Today, Nespresso has made that idea even simpler by developing U, the next generation machine that shapes itself to suit you and your lifestyle. With clever, modular design, U can change its form to fit contemporary living spaces and interiors. On top of that, the cool machine has a tactile interface which memorises your favourite cup length, and thanks to the pre-programmed Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo sizes, there is no need to select it each time.

The first-of-its kind, it has a rounded, adjustable water tank which is able to seamlessly slide around, letting it change shape to suit your home or office space.

In addition to a quick heat up time of 25 seconds, U features automatic brewing, so your coffee begins the second you drop your Nespresso capsule and effortlessly close its neat slider. Its immediate cut-off also makes it one of the cleanest machines – stopping any drips and automatically ejecting each capsule.

Available in four understated colours – Pure Cream, Pure Black, Pure Grey and Pure Orange – and with some dedicated accessories such as an innovative tray with two adaptable magnetic dispensers, that can be attached to the sides of the U machine or also be stacked on top of each other for a slimmer storage solution. U is priced at CHF 179.-.

And here are some great news for my Swiss based followers: THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN U!

Nespresso kindly offers two of their new innovative coffee machines to Sandra’s Closet readers. All you have to do is to send me an e-mail with the header “Nespresso” to and tell me which of the four colours you would love to have.

Contestants MUST live in Switzerland. All entries must be received until November 9, 2012. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

Personally speaking, I truly love Nespresso because of its flexibility. Every family member can choose his or her own style. For example, I absolutely adore flavoured coffee. Therefore I am completely “going nuts” for Nespresso’s upcoming three end-of-year Limited Edition Grands Crus Variations 2012 for the festive season:

This year, it is inspired by three different notes of nut: Coconut, Hazelnut and Macadamia Nut. Originating from the Livanto family, each Grand Cru encapsulates its own distinct taste universe, opening up new coffee discoveries.

Nespresso Hazelnut – The combination of lightly roasted hazelnut notes with the Livanto Grand Cru reveals praline flavours, giving it a fine balance in the mouth.
Macadamia Nut – The rich savours of the macadamia nut combined with the roundness of the Livanto Grand Cru develop a surprising freshness and reveal citrus notes.
Coconut – A perfect harmony between the coconut notes and the Livanto Grand Cru creates a gourmand experience reminiscent of coconut macaroons.

Each of the Variations 2012 are 100% of natural origin and contain only roast and ground coffees mixed with natural flavourings and is free from food allergens. Available worldwide from November 12, 2012. A sleeve will sell for CHF 5.70 in Nespresso boutiques and online.

This post was so mouth-watering for me that I drank 4 cups of coffee while typing it. Speaking of moderation… but it just tastes so good. Don’t forget to enter the contest and good luck!

LoL, Sandra.

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso and © Sandra Bauknecht

I love to have a subtle shimmer on my tanned skin in summer. Personally speaking, I think that it makes you look so much more radiant. Therefore I would like to introduce you to two  newly launched products that are beautifully scented while leaving your skin with the perfect golden glow.

Roger Gallet takes you on an olfactive journey into the Andalucian gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada under the orange trees of the Generalife Palace. Capture the vibrant sunshine, as well as the freshness of the leaf and the fruit, the softness of the flower and the fresh sensuality of orange wood.

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin and orange
Middle notes: Ylang, orange blossom and coconut
Base notes: Cedarwood, vanilla and musk

Eau Sublime Or Bois d’Orange CHF 59.60 (100ml)

Inspired by the luxurious gardens of the Alhambra, Eau Sublime Or takes you on an exotic olfactory journey. Once sprayed – citrus fruits from Italy refresh and delight, revealing themselves a few minutes after spraying, floral & feminine heart notes of ylang, orange blossom and coconut flower are sublimely sensual. The final touch of glamour & chic – delicate flecks of gold settle on your skin in a subtle shimmer, beautifying the skin with radiance.
Does not stain clothing.

Crème Sublime Or Bois d’Orange CHF 34.90 (200ml)

An indulgent beauty ritual of summer glamour, illuminate your skin with Crème Sublime Or. Enriched with a cocktail of 6 nourishing oils (Macadamia, Argan, Camelia, Primrose, Sesame and gentle Almond), this luxurious body cream with a delicious and enchanting fragrance, moisturises and softens your skin for lasting hydration. Its delicate flecks of gold give a subtle illuminating effect. Rich but non-greasy, quickly absorbed by the skin. No parabens. Dermatologically tested.

For store locations, please visit the Roger Gallet’s homepage.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Gallet

Expanding his collection of fragrances, which currently includes “Daisy” (2007) and “Lola” (2009), and following his dot-enthusiasm – this month, Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Yayoi Kusama will hit the stores – Marc Jacobs will be launching a new scent which is young and playful: DOT.

Before leaving for the US, I was invited to the press conference to explore the new fragrance. The composition is floral-fruity, spiced up with exotic notes of coconut and wrapped in soft vanilla embrace. Very young and gourmand.

The bottle is red covered with black dots and reminds me of a cute little ladybug. On top sits a butterfly. It will look great on display in your bathroom.

Top notes: Red berries, pitahaya (dragon fruit) and honeysuckle.
Middle notes: Jasmine, orange blossom and coconut water.
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and driftwood.

DOT Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 81.-), 50ml (CHF103.-) and 100ml (CHF 135.-).
DOT Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 59.-)
DOT Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 48.-)

Available in the US in July 2012 and in August 2012 internationally.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs Fragrances, Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht